Solutions for Common Denture Problems
Dentures are more comfortable and helpful than ever before. However, there are still some common problems that many denture wearers experience. Proper denture care and diet can help keep the gums and mouth healthy and avoid irritation or infections.
Dentures are available at Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics in Coronado and the surrounding area. Our team can provide you with solutions and tips to correct common denture problems. Call us at (619) 354-5136 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
What to Expect With Dentures
Getting dentures for the first time will result in large lifestyle changes. Denture wearers should expect diet changes and discomfort at first. These appliances are not as efficient at chewing as natural teeth and can cover the palate, which plays an important role in sensing flavors. This causes many denture wearers to gravitate towards more processed foods that are also naturally higher in fat, salt, and sugar. We recommend denture wearers eat a diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
When wearing dentures for the first time, it is normal to experience some soreness and discomfort. The University of Iowa's College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics states that it is not unusual for dentures to be relined or remade within six to eight weeks after tooth extraction. This will occur as the mouth muscles adjust and get used to the appliance. As people get used to their dentures, pain and discomfort will disappear, and they can resume their normal activities comfortably.
“Getting dentures for the first time will result in large lifestyle changes.”
Seeking Treatment When Problems Arise
It is crucial to seek treatment quickly when problems with dentures arise. Common denture problems include gum and mouth irritation, loose dentures, and mouth infections. Simply ensuring that dentures fit correctly can increase comfort and reduce soreness.
If a denture problem is present, contact our team quickly. The dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced. Denture wearers who do not seek treatment for ill-fitting dentures can develop mouth infections such as cheilitis and stomatitis. Seeking medical treatment when the problem first arises can prevent such complications from arising.
“It is crucial to seek treatment quickly when problems with dentures arise.”
Taking Care of Dentures While Traveling
People can still have a great time while traveling with dentures. However, it is important to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Denture wearers should pack a small case with denture care items, such as a covered storage container.
Cleanser creams, gels, and pastes can travel as long as they meet airline size requirements for liquids. It is also important to maintain proper denture care while traveling. People should remove and rinse their dentures after every meal, brush daily, and soak them overnight.
“It is crucial to seek treatment quickly when problems with dentures arise.”
Precautions With Food
When wearing new dentures, it is a good idea to eat soft foods and take small bites. Chew slowly and try to use both sides of the mouth so the jaw muscles can get a firm hold. Alternatively, some people decide to use denture adhesive for extra stability. We recommend avoiding hard, hot, tough, or sticky foods to minimize potential teeth damage.
Hot foods can cause problems initially because the lower temperature sensitivity increases the risk of accidental burns. Once patients get used to the difference, they can start introducing hot foods to their diet again. Avoid foods like hard vegetables, seeds, and nuts that can damage dentures and refrain from chewing gum, peanut butter, and other sticky foods that make it more difficult to clean dentures.
“When wearing new dentures, it is a good idea to eat soft foods and take small bites.”
Checking for Oropharyngeal Cancer
Dentures do not cause oropharyngeal cancer, but dentures that do not fit well or poor oral care while wearing them can. The irritation, inflammation, and infection associated with such issues have been associated with oral cancer. According to one study, while ill-fitting dentures are a risk factor for oral cancer development, there is no link between denture use duration and cancer development.
To limit the risk of oral cancer, people should have their dentures checked. Properly fitting dentures reduce the risk of infection or inflammation. All denture wearers should also take their dentures out every night and clean them well.
“Dentures do not cause oropharyngeal cancer, but dentures that do not fit well or poor oral care while wearing them can.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Frequently Asked Questions
New patients and emergency appointments welcome
Denture Terminology
Alveolar Bone
The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.
Bruxism/TMJ/Soreness
Bruxism/TMJ soreness is the pain that follows excessive and unconscious teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Clasp
A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
Denture Adhesive
Denture adhesive help the dentures remain in the mouth and prevent them from falling out when the wearer laughs, speaks or eats.
Denture Base
The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
Denture Slippage
Denture slippage is when dentures fall out of place or become loose since the jawbone beneath the gums lack stimulation and begin to diminish.
Edentulous
Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.
Pontic
Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
Poor Fitting Dentures
Poor fitting dentures are typically loose dentures that do not fit properly and fall out when the individual is eating, speaking or laughing.
Rebase
Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.
Reline
Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.
Resin/Acrylic
Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.
Speaking Difficulties
Patients who do not seek proper dental treatment lose teeth will find that it becomes difficult to speak properly and may need artificial teeth to speak clearly again.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissue that is underlying a denture that does not fit properly. It can also result from other oral health factors.
Xerostomia
Xerostomia is also known as dry mouth, which is a condition where the salivary glands do not make enough saliva to keep the mouth moist.